RALEIGH, N.C.—The Georgia company authorities have described as owning the thrill ride that seriously injured three at the North Carolina State Fair is now trying to distance itself from the case and potentially shield itself from lawsuits.

A lawyer for Family Attractions Amusements, LCC, sent a letter to state officials last month asserting that the company and owners Dominic and Ruby Macaroni have no connection to the Vortex ride involved in the Oct. 24 problem.

The ride operator and the Macaronis’ son have been criminally charged.

Anthony Gorham, Kisha Gorham and their 14-year-old son, of Raleigh, were tossed off the Vortex when the machine suddenly lurched into motion as they were trying to get off, flinging them through the air.

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